Smallscale yellowfish (Labeobarbus polylepis)

Scientific name: Labeobarbus polylepis Boulenger, 1907

The Smallscale yellowfish (Labeobarbus polylepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. Native range: Africa, the Limpopo, Incomati and Pongolo.

Biology

A cool water species not found below 600 m altitude. Occurs in deep pools and flowing waters of permanent rivers and in dams. Feeds mainly on algae (winter months), but also takes mussels, snails, crabs and small fish. Breeds during spring and summer, males maturing at a smaller size (17 cm FL) than females (30 cm FL). Females grow larger than males. A food fish for humans.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Labeobarbus polylepis
Family
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order
Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
58.5
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
Africa: the Limpopo, Incomati and Pongolo.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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